OP-1 vs all the Volcas

While there’s obviously a lot to love about the OP-1, and I do personally like the sound, I’m finding that it doesn’t get as much use in the heat of the jam due to it being a little more fiddle-y than my other stuff (OT,MM, AR, A4, knobby synths).

Anyhow, it just occurred to me that I could sell the OP-1 and get all the Volcas, and then run them through an extra mixer I have, so that I’d still only be using the 2 inputs the OP was using. Seems way more tactile, but I’m a bit wary of the feeling of abandoned corporate carelessness/bad UI decisions that Korg stuff can seem to emit at times…

On the other hand, the Volcas do seem fun. The OP-1 seems like the smart introverted person that needs to work alone, slowly, while the Volcas seem like less smart extroverts who are way more spontaneous and know how to party, but don’t really have much depth, and could get boring after a while.

Or, I could just sell the OP and save up for something nice, like a MD or Tempest.

Maybe the real question is: for those that have both multiple Elektrons and multiple Volcas, does it feel awkward/stifling to jump between the two types in mid-jam/jam-style composition?

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FWIW I think the OP-1 is a amazing and highly inspirational tool. But so is the Volca Sample. I think the two would make a great pair.

My friend has one and we jammed with them together and they have different approaches and yield different results. I would keep the OP-1 for now as it’s a great machine that couldn’t be replaced (not even by the Octatrack) get a Volca Sample and see them side by side. The rest of the Volcas are not that interesting IMO (compared to the excellent Volca Sample or the OP-1’s synths and drum synth).

As you said instead of selling the OP-1 and get cluttered with the Volca synths which can get boring after a while, I would rather invest in a MD. OP-1 is very deep and can get you a lot of variations in time.

Still try to get the OP-1 side by side with the Volca Sample.

As for the Elektron devices I think they pair up amazing with the OP-1 as well as with the Volca Sample.

How do you send the midi to the OP-1?
Do you use iConnect midi for this setup?
If so how easy it is to send the lfo’s to the respective midi destinations on the OP-1?

Yeah, this has to be the way to go. I must say I fantasize way more about the MD than the Volcas. Actually, I’ve been lusting after it since it came out; that is some major long-term gear blue balls.

You are totally right- the MIDI LFO is crazy awesome with the OT.
I need to just bite the bullet and do some midi tests to find out once and for all how much crazy midi CC automation/LFO-ing the single MIDI cable coming from the OT can handle before the rhythmic tightness starts to noticeable suffer. I’m a little bit afraid to get into MIDI CC plocking because I don’t want to get disappointed with midi timing slop…

How do you send the midi to the OP-1?
Do you use iConnect midi for this setup?
If so how easy it is to send the lfo’s to the respective midi destinations on the OP-1?[/quote]
I just have mine USB connected to my Mac Mini which runs Ableton, which records, mixes, and does midi routing.
It’s pretty easy to set up- I think you just have to match CCs on both the OP-1 midi logo page and whatever is sending the CC info to the OP-1.

volcas = good fun, incredible money to fun ratio …

if u have 3 volcas on ur table, the cable mess cant be ignored! trust me…

battery powered is a big plus, if you ever go out jam / perform with these, or take with you on a trip

the 1 big thing that keeps me from buying a OP 1 is = how to replace the battery?

also heard from noise issues … as does the volca keys (sometimes)

FINAL SUGGESTION: get the 3 volcas and 3 pocket engeneerings and maybe also the OP 1. … once you commit to your hobby, to investing into your hobby, all the doubts and thoughts of “should I” will go out the window, and then everything is fine!

Sell the OP-1 and save up for something nice.
The Volcas aren’t going to add anything to your current setup that you don’t already have except for extraneous clutter.

Ugh. I’m getting a headache just thinking about this setup.